What is the primary goal of a preliminary investigation?

The primary goal of a preliminary investigation is to obtain and document the most accurate information. During this initial phase, law enforcement officers aim to gather factual details about the incident, which serves as the foundation for further investigation and potential prosecution. Accurate documentation is critical, as it establishes the circumstances surrounding the event, helps in identifying potential witnesses, and guides the direction of subsequent investigative efforts.

Obtaining precise information ensures that officers have a clear understanding of the scene and can make informed decisions about how to proceed. This phase typically involves assessing the situation, securing the scene, collecting preliminary statements, and documenting everything through reports and photographs.

While developing a hypothesis, gathering evidence for prosecution, and interviewing witnesses are all significant aspects of the investigative process, they come after or as part of the larger goal of thorough and accurate documentation of the initial facts. The clarity and reliability of the foundational information directly influence the effectiveness of the entire investigative process.